Local shops share how important Valentine’s Day is to business

DAYTON — Today is Valentine’s Day, and the National Retail Federation (NRF) says Americans plan to spend almost $26 billion celebrating.

News Center Seven’s Xavier Hershovitz went to Esther Price Candies to look into how Valentine’s Day shopping is to them.

Esther Price tells us they expect many last-minute shoppers to stop by to grab some hearts full of chocolate.

They sell about 25,000 lbs. of chocolate for the romantic holiday, making it the third biggest day of the year for them after Christmas and Easter.

“If you don’t see it out on our counter, we will specially pack a heart, and we’ll put anything you need in any size that we have. I’d get here would get here early so you won’t be in the crowd” Doug Dressman, President and CEO of Esther Price, said laughing.

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The Dayton Chamber of Commerce says Esther Price is not alone.

They say, florists, restaurants, and other shops will all see a boost from Valentine’s Day.

Veronica Nunamaker, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, says, “our local businesses definitely take pride in making sure they have the stock, and they’re ready for Valentine’s shoppers even up to the last minute. Shopping local and keeping your dollars here in the Dayton community is critical to build our economic development”

The chamber says shopping local is really re-investing your money back into the local economy.

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